Sooner or later, they will break through.
In the meantime, something special continues to be built in Absecon, as the Holy Spirit High School girls lacrosse program put another great season in the books.
The Spartans finished their year June 6 with a 16-4 record, which included a third straight trip to the Non-Public B state championship.
“We’ve been to the finals the last three years, and it’s a shame we couldn’t come out on top. But I think we all gave it everything we could,” senior Hanna Watson said. “It was a two-goal difference.”
A slow start ultimately worked against the Spartans, as they fell 13-11 to defending champion Montclair Kimberley Academy at Kean University, Union, in a game that endured a torrential downpour during a large portion of the second half. As persistent as the rain pounded the ground, the Spartans clawed away at a six-goal deficit in the fourth quarter to get within two before the final horn sounded.
“I love how close and how together we play,” said senior Kendall Murphy, who scored her 100th career goal in the finale. “We always have the effort to come back and support each other through everything. This was our third time coming, and each year, we got better and better and never gave up. We definitely grew this year.”
This group of seniors endured a somewhat tough freshman year, going 8-9. But each season since, there has been growth and progress toward the ultimate goal of someday winning the program’s first girls lacrosse state championship.
“Coming in my freshman year with a new coach, obviously you don’t know what’s going to happen,” said Watson, who finished her career with 278 goals and 278 assists. “Freshman year was a building year for the program. Coming up on sophomore year, we really turned things around and won tons of games. We were the team everyone wanted to beat.”
Though the program is losing Watson – a 500-point player – to graduation, the Spartans are equipped with young talent that is ready to step into bigger roles. Junior Brielle Soltys scored 55 goals this season, while sophomores Taylor Lyons (35 goals), Lauren Cella (30) and Laura Livingston (21) were all frequent contributors. The next wave is already crashing in.
“I’m really excited to see what we do next year,” Soltys said.
Work ethic won’t be the question. Under coach Kylie Primeau, the Spartans arguably work harder than anyone in any condition. It was evident when Holy Spirit seemed to get energized during a blinding downpour. The Spartans cut a six-goal deficit to two before the sun re-emerged.
Looking ahead, and the team’s next chance, the question arises: Same time next year?
“That’s what we’re all thinking,” Soltys said with a smile. “We really all tried our best. Unfortunately, we came up short, but I’m so proud of all these girls and what we accomplished.”
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